Traditionally, conservative Christians marry earlier than other religious groups and those not affiliated with a religious group. Marriage was God’s idea, and he endorses it starting in Genesis and continuing all the way to Revelation. But why does this affect when a Christian marries? And why do many Christians get married so young? Here are some thoughts to consider.
At what age do young Christians get married?
Studies show that religion influences the age at which a person forms a long-term relationship, such as marriage. In the study, they found that young women with an Evangelical Protestant upbringing marry around the age of 23.5. In contrast, women who grew up without a religious upbringing tend to marry around 25.
According to God, what is the reason for marriage?
There are various Biblical reasons for marriage. Here are just a few.
Companionship
God created humans for relationship. In Genesis, we read that God saw that Adam needed a unique creation to be his companion; none of the other creatures were the right fit.
The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” (Genesis 2:18 NIV)
So, God created a woman from one of Adam’s ribs, causing Adam to exclaim,
“This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’
for she was taken out of man.” (Genesis 2:23 NIV)
Reflecting His image
God wants married couples to show the world his glory through the lives of husbands and wives who are committed to God and represent him well.
Glorify God
Christian marriage should ultimately be for the glory of God. Couples who strive to put God first and grow in their personal relationship with the Lord and one another will bring glory to God.
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to fhe glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV)
Encouragement
Marriage is a wonderful way for couples to encourage each other. Whether it’s growing in their relationship with God or
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NIV)
Children
Even though the world denies that children are a gift from God rather than an accident of their sexual activity, marriage is for families to be created. God wanted children to be raised for his glory. Many of today’s young couples are against marriage and also children, seeing them as an encroachment on their lives.
Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. (Psalm 127:3 NIV)
Sexual pleasure
In Genesis, we read that God said everything he made was good, including creating people with a sexual passion. Many Christians (and non-Christians) believe that sex is sinful, which is a wrong view of what God intended. God intended for sex to be within the confines of marriage. Sex outside of marriage is a sin because it distorts the lifelong commitment God wanted couples to have in marriage.
At what age did people in the Bible get married?
The Bible never suggests a certain age to marry. Culturally, in ancient times, women married younger than men. Most marriages were arranged. Roman law permitted girls to marry as young as 12 and boys as early as 14, which was economic security and building a family. In the Old Testament, we read in Genesis 24:16 that Rebekah was a young woman when she met Isaac. Their marriage was arranged by family, which was typical of this period. In the New Testament, these cultural practices continued. For instance, Jesus’ mother, Mary, is thought to have been around 14 when she was engaged to Joseph, who may have been in his late twenties, which was culturally normal at the time.
Does getting married early affect whether you end up in divorce?
Statistically, earlier marriages are at risk for divorce, but according to some research, premarital sexual cohabitating is also considered a higher risk for divorce. Generally, Christians are less likely to divorce, especially if they are a bit older, around 25 when they get married, but this is still considered young by many standards. Today’s trend is for most people to get married around 30. According to scholars, non-religious women’s annual divorce rate is 5%, while religious women’s rate of divorce is 4.5%.
Why do some Christians marry early?
So, why do young Christians tend to marry earlier than others? There is no precise reason why this happens, but here are a few things that might contribute to their decision.
Being raised in a home that emphasizes the importance of marriage
Young people who grow up in a home where the Biblical perspective on marriage is emphasized may influence their decisions. In a world where marriage is under attack, young Christians may feel the importance of taking a stand for marriage.
Desire to build a family– Many young Christians value family and desire to have kids while young. They may want a large family, especially if they grew up with many siblings.
Church community- Young Christians who are part of a church may have the same values as their church community and want to marry early. They may admire the families in their church wanting to emulate them.
Push back on society’s influence– Young Christians may choose to marry early to push back on society’s pressure to skip marriage and instead live with their partner.
Avoid sexual temptation- Many young couples desire to marry early to avoid sexual temptation. They may marry while in college and finish their degrees as a married couple.
How do you know you’re ready for marriage?
Obviously, what’s most important thing regarding marriage isn’t how old someone is, but that they’re ready for marriage. So, how do you know you’re ready for marriage?
Understand the commitment
It’s important to see marriage as a long-term commitment. You know you’re ready when you want to live with the person you’re marrying for the rest of your life.
You understand you are both sinners
When you’re going into marriage, it’s important to be realistic. Being aware that you are both sinners in need of God’s grace and forgiveness can help you work out your disagreements and difficulties.
You’re ready to lay down your life for the other person
Marriage is up close and personal. It’s sharing and learning how to compromise. If you are seriously considering marriage, be sure to get help outside yourself before you make the final commitment.
- Talk with your pastor or ministry leader to see if they think you are ready for marriage.
- Read books on marriage, communication, and conflict resolution.
- Grow in your relationship with the Lord. Being a strong Christian will help create a good foundation for your marriage.
Is it okay for Christians not to get married?
I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that. (1 Corinthians 7:8 NIV)
In this verse in first Corinthians, Paul suggests that being single might be what God has in store rather than being married. He is using his own life as an example of someone who is fulfilled and following God’s will as a single person. It might be different than what your friends or family encourage. According to Paul, marriage isn’t for everyone. So, be sure you’re not giving in to pressure from your friends or family. It must be a personal decision.
Whether you marry when you’re young or a bit older, the most important thing is that you are ready for a long-term commitment. Marriage requires maturity, the understanding that you and your soon-to-be spouse are sinners who need God’s grace and the ability to communicate. If you have a strong relationship with the Lord, it will give you a strong foundation for your marriage.
